Tehran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says Iran retains its uranium enrichment capabilities and will decide when and how to resume activities based on evolving circumstances.

In an interview with Financial Times, Araqchi stated that Iran reserves the right to resume its enrichment program, noting that the timing and manner of resumption would depend on prevailing conditions. He emphasized that the United States must understand that technological capabilities cannot be destroyed by military means, highlighting that only through negotiations can a satisfactory agreement be reached.

Tehran and Washington were engaged in indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman when Israel initiated large-scale aggression against Iran on June 13. Subsequently, Washington joined the Israeli offensive, bombing three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities under the pretext of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Araqchi remarked that if America’s primary concern is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, it is an achievable goal. He warned that military aggression has demonstrated the ineffectiveness of force against Iran’s nuclear program and cautioned that continued confrontation would not only complicate diplomatic efforts but could also eliminate the possibility of returning to negotiations.

Araqchi asserted that Iran would only consider rejoining talks if it is assured of Washington’s genuine intent for a mutually beneficial agreement. He also criticized the European parties for invoking the ‘snapback mechanism’ under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, arguing that triggering this mechanism signifies the end of their involvement in nuclear discussions.